Book 9781913089283

ISBN 10: 1913089282 / ISBN 13: 9781913089283

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 26398800048

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Book 9781913089283
• ISBN 10: 1913089282
• ISBN 13: 9781913089283
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The Austin J40 pedal car is a miniature motoring marvel.

The level of interest over the years in these diminutive Austins is way beyond anything that the three-man design and development team could ever have imagined when they hand-built the prototype of Austin Chairman Leonard Lord's 'little idea' in 1946.

Over 70 years after the first production example rolled off the South Wales factory line – in 1949 – interest in the Austin J40 remains strong today, boosted by the annual Settrington Cup race for J40s at the Goodwood Revival.

The intriguing story of secrecy, innovation and social responsibility – perhaps unique in the history of the motor industry – is told in fascinating detail in this lavishly produced book, which provides a social history intertwined with the story of Austin's diminutive Pathfinder and J40 pedal cars.

About the Author

Dr. David Whyley is recognised as the world's leading authority on Austin pedal cars. Living near to the former Longbridge plant, and having close relatives who worked there, he developed a fascination with Austin cars from a young age. In the mid-1990s, David was fortunate enough to meet and interview the key members of the Austin pedal-car team which kindled his interest in the story of the cars. Following years of subsequent research, he has amassed an unrivalled Austin pedal-car archive. His previous book on Austin pedal cars has become much sought-after. He has also written a number of books about the Austin Counties cars from 1945–54 and writes regularly for the Austin Counties Car Club magazine. David has owned and restored several classic Austins and is an acknowledged expert and advisor for the rare Austin A40 Sports and Austin Atlantic Convertible, both contemporary vehicles to the Austin J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars.